Students wheel their way to uni (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Students wheel their way to uni

October 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Students in Leeds are being encouraged to take the healthier and greener option by cycling to and from lectures.

Velocampus Leeds is an innovative low cost bicycle rental scheme based on a successful French model. New and existing students at both the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University have been given the opportunity of hiring a brand new bicycle, fully equipped with lights and locks, for the bargain sum of £35 per year.

The scheme is part of the wider UTravelActive project and received money from the Big Lottery Fund. It has been implemented in Leeds by a partnership involving Leeds City Council, Sustrans, the two Leeds universities and the PCT. All three hundred bikes have already been snapped up by students eager to improve their health, protect the environment and save a few pennies in the process.

Cllr Ben Chastney (Lib Dem, Weetwood), a former student at the University of Leeds, comments:

"I am delighted to see the UTravelActive project get off to such a flying start. It's great that every bike offered has already been hired out and that more are on the way. Increased cycle use is a positive change for so many reasons and must be encouraged wherever possible.

"Apart from easing congestion and being green, it is also a cheap and healthy way to get around. Thanks to all those taking part and let's hope that this is just the start of a larger project to get more students cycling. I wish this scheme had existed when I was at university here."